* sat in the gate.
How prudently and mildly David took the reproof and counsel
given him! He shook off his grief, anointed his head, and
washed his face, that he might not appear unto men to mourn,
and then made his appearance at the gate of the city, which
was the public place of resort for the hearing of causes and
giving judgment, as well as a place to ratify special
bargains. Thither the people flocked to congratulate him on
his and their safety, and that all was well. When we are
convinced of a fault, we must amend, though we are told of it
by our inferiors in a way which is peculiarly painful to our
natural feelings. This ancient custom still obtains in the
East; for when Dr. Pococke returned from viewing the town of
ancient Byblus, he says, "The sheik and the elders were
sitting in the gate of the city, after the ancient manner, and
I sat awhile with them."
18:4,24
* for Israel.
3 18:6-8 1Ki 22:36 2Ki 14:12
|